Water loss, especially in a desert climate, is tough. Finding leaks can be tougher. Traditional leak detection can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes feels like a guessing game.
Well, have no fear, for the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) LeakTracer Program is here (specifically for small and rural water systems). No money out of your pocket and a five-minute application (read more for insider application instructions that will make it even easier and faster for you). If you were already budgeting for leak detection, this program could free up funds to focus on what really matters: making repairs.
Read on so you can decide for yourself if this is the hero you were holding out for.
What is the LeakTracer Program?
The LeakTracer program is a state-funded leak detection initiative run by NMED. They recently signed a $4 million-dollar, four-year contract with Asterra, a company that uses satellites to find leaks beneath the surface. This program is open to any small water system (<20,000 residents) at no cost. Because each scan covers a very large area, neighboring systems are encouraged to apply together.
The program not only identifies likely leak locations but also includes on-the-ground support to help systems verify where the leaks are. Repair costs are up to the system. If funding for repairs sounds like a challenge, read on to see the grant and loan options available.
Why This Could be Helpful
Traditional leak detection usually involves sending crews out with ground microphones, digging holes, and chasing leaks that may or may not be there.
Asterra is trying to flip that model. By using satellite data to narrow down leak locations before anyone digs, the result is less wasted labor and faster repairs. Now you can just spend your money on the fix instead of the wild goose chase.
Work smarter,not harder – am I right?
How Does the Technology Work?
Asterra’s recover platform uses satellite imagery and AI to analyze soil moisture and detect leaks using their algorithm.
Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Get satellite images for the area in question
- Clean up the data (they call it radiometric correction, which just means they are calibrating and correcting any errors in the satellite imagery)
- Data goes into their AI algorithm which analyzes the moisture patterns
- Likely leak locations are identified
- Results are delivered
They have also done pilot projects in other parts of New Mexico that have already been successful.
Who can apply?
You are eligible if:
- Your system serves a community of fewer than 20,000 people.
- You are in good standing with NMED’s Rural Infrastructure Program (RIP).“Good standing” means if you have a loan with their program, you have been paying it off on time.
- You operate a drinking water or wastewater system in New Mexico.
Note: The application will ask if you are in compliance with environmental permits. Being out of compliance doesn’t disqualify you from the LeakTracer program. Yay!
Strength in Numbers
Multiple systems are strongly encouraged to band together when applying.
One scan covers a 30-mile by 40-mile area, so if there’s a neighboring system that is within that range, try to do the application together. It will be even less work because you are submitting only one application.
Assuming that NMED gets $1 million per year in this contract, and each scan costs $50,000, then that means there can only be 20 scans done per year. The more you band together, the more opportunities you give to other small systems in the state who could use this program.
How to apply (insider tips)
The LeakTracer application is submitted under NMED’s RIP, which now includes a “leak detection” option. There are sections that you will not have to fill out because it just doesn’t apply to this program. Below is a step-by-step on what to enter into the application. If you are not a fan of a bunch of words, check out the PDF that shows you the exact application and gives you an example of how to fill it out.
For those of you who are still with me, here goes:
“Type of Project”:
- Select “Leak Detection”
“Type of Leak Detection”
- Select “Water” (Note: the program is only open to drinking water delivery systems)
“Borrower Population”:
- Enter the population of your system
- If multiple systems are applying together, just put the population of the main system. No need to do any adding. (Reminder: each system must have fewer than 20,000 in population, but your combined total can be more than 20,000)
“Project Description”:
- Explain your water loss concerns and interest in the LeakTracer program
- If applying for multiple systems, explain which ones are participating.
“Which documents have been completed?”:
- Doesn’t apply to you! Move on!
“Are you currently out of compliance with any environmental permits?”:
- If yes, a pop-up will ask you to elaborate. Go ahead and add a short blurb on what you are out of compliance on. (Note: Even if you are out of compliance, you can still apply for this program)
- If no, select “No”
“Amount of Funding Needed”:
- Enter “$50,000” as a placeholder (this is what NMED pays ASTERRA)
- This is not you paying this money!
“Source of Funds”:
- Select “Other,” then write “N/A”
“Will the funding result in a complete and operational project?”:
- Select “Yes”
- The expectation is that you use the leak report to go and repair your leaks.
“How did you hear about us?”:
- You can put something like: “SW EFC sent me” 😉
What happens after you apply?
Once submitted:
- NMED will contract with Asterra.
- Asterra will perform the satellite analysis.
- You will receive your leak report.
- NMED will deploy their ground crew to come and verify the leak(s).
Once this is all over, you will not only have a report of where potential leaks are, you also have someone who has come to your system and verified your leaks. Now, all you need to do is repair them!
We know where our leaks are, now what?
The leak detection was free, but the repairs are not.
If you do not have the funds available, you can go back to the exact same RIP application to apply for a grant or loan. The RIP provides up to $2 million per year ($500,000 in grants, $1.5 million in loans). This time, you will have to do your best to fill out the entire application.
Please be aware that sometimes when a leak is fixed, there may still be problems. As the LeakTracer program continues to develop, NMED is exploring options for a post-repair follow up.
Final Takeaway
The LeakTracer program is a no-cost, easy to access tool to help you find underground water leaks. If your system is struggling with water loss or have a suspicion that you do, this is an easy move to be able to get started solving it.
Let LeakTracer find the problem so you can Rest In Peace!